Ottawa, Ontario, March 14, 2012—Today, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Labour Minister, announced that Bill C-33, entitled "An Act to provide for the continuation and resumption of air service operations”, has been passed by the House of Commons. The Bill would ensure continued air services at Air Canada and end the uncertainty surrounding the labour disputes involving Air Canada and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), and Air Canada and the Air Canada Pilots Association (ACPA).
“Canadians mandated our government to protect the Canadian economy and Canadian jobs, and grounded flights translate into lost opportunities for Canadian families and businesses,” said Minister Raitt. “With no prospect of resolution in sight, our Government acted to ensure air services are not halted which would in turn harm businesses and travellers alike.”
The Bill was passed in the House of Commons and will now be debated by the Senate. The legislation, if passed by the Senate, will ensure continuing air services and send all unresolved issues to binding arbitration.
The IAMAW represents a unit of approximately 8,200 employees engaged in technical, maintenance and operational support functions whose current collective agreement expired on March 31, 2011. As for the ACPA, it represents 3,000 pilots whose current collective agreement also expired on March 31, 2011.
-30-
This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.
For further information (media only):
Ashley Kelahear
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Raitt
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
Follow us on Twitter
